Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The primary teachers union's asking the the Employment Relations Authority for urgent mediation as pay talks hit an impasse.  NZEI says it's not happy with the Ministry of Education's pay-rise offer, sitting between 2.1 and 2.5 percent - alongside the rising cost of living. Lead union negotiator Liam Rutherford says teachers also want recognition of the work adapting to widespread curriculum changes.  "We're hearing from teachers across the country that it isn't just the size of the change, it's also the speed in which the Minister of Education wants it done by." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's tension between the US and the UK, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticised Donald Trump and claimed the Government 'does not believe in regime change from the skies'. The US President also recently condemned the UK 'taking too long' to allow US forces to use its airbases to attack Iran. UK correspondent Enda Brady explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US-Iran conflict could affect New Zealand’s red meat exports to the Middle East, the Meat Industry Association says. Reports reveal New Zealand red meat exporters were closely monitoring the situation in the region, due to the disruption to the Strait of Hormuz. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and former Auckland mayor Phil Goff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Prime Minister Chris Luxon has copped some backlash over his non-committal response to the crisis in the Middle East. Who's to blame here? How bad does this look in an election year? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 3 February, 2026, we talk to a former CIA officer about the US war in Iran - and how the conflict is growing. The Children's Minister tells us why there'll be another boot camp for young offenders. A new take on cell-phones - we hear from an advocate of putting a phone in every prison cell. And on The Huddle, Phil Goff and Maurice Williamson battle it out over the fighting in the Middle East. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All right, we need to talk about Chris Luxon and that performance yesterday. “Oh, I mean… we obviously understand… we’re not saying that… what we’re saying is… we… we… we understand this… I don’t know how to be any clearer, guys…” You know what’s going wrong here, eh? The Prime Minister doesn’t want to say what he actually thinks. He doesn’t want to take a position on the air strikes on Iran. If he says he supports the strikes, he risks copping it from what may be a majority - but almost certainly is a very vocal minority - of New Zealanders who don’t like anything the US does militarily. If he says he opposes the strikes, then he risks creating an international headline like 'New Zealand criticises US air strikes' and getting this country offside with the most volatile US president in modern history - and whatever comes with that. So either way, he’s in a tough position. A generous interpretation is that he’s trying to protect New Zealand from Trump. A less generous interpretation is that he’s trying to protect himself from unhappy voters. The problem is that, as always, Chris Luxon trying to avoid taking a position ends the way it always does: he looks clumsy and uncertain. He makes mistakes - like saying he supports anything the US may do to prevent nuclear weapons, including carpet bombing - which he’s now had to walk back today. And Luxon’s been here before, hasn’t he? Remember the three-minute interview with Mike Hosking where he wouldn’t take a position on whether he would have sacked Andrew Bayly? I’d say that in trying to avoid choosing between supporting or not supporting the air strikes, he created a third position altogether - making himself look foolish. And for a leader in an election year, that is the worst choice possible. It is better - even if the position is unpopular - to pick one, than to look like he does today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Propopoly is a startup that aims to give everyday New Zealanders a chance to enjoy the benefits of being a property developer. The business allows people to buy shares in a property development and get a payout when those properties are sold. Founder Dehardt van der Merwe explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted the plans of many travellers, who may be in for more bad luck by insurers. Much of the region’s airspace has been shut after the US and Israeli attack on Iran and its retaliatory strikes in the region - and travel insurance companies have invoked the war clause in their policies. Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy says it's important for Kiwi travellers to check their policies, as there could be a way through this.  "Insurance policies do cover cancellations if it's due to an airspace closure...but because it's hostilities and military action - typically, cover is excluded." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's considering raising phone call entitlements for prisoners, amid a push from a petition and the Ombudsman. The law says prisoners are entitled to just five minutes on the phone each week. Former head of the Wellington Howard League for Penal Reform, Christine McCarthy, petitioned Parliament to change the rules - saying current technology would make restrictions easy to enforce.  "We have increasingly wonderful technology - so you have to remember the context that prisoners have to apply every telephone number that they're going to ring, that has to be approved. And when you have electronic systems, you can know...the way you can monitor stuff, the way you can access and record things is just way ahead." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GrabOne is getting a second life under brand new owners.  Wellington's Paradigm Group has bought the GrabOne brand and assets. It went into liquidation last October, leaving many consumers with vouchers they couldn't use.  The new boss Paul Raeburn says they're bringing back half a dozen key GrabOne employees. He says they're energised to get the platform back to what it was.  "I stopped looking at GrabOne probably five or six years ago, because there wasn't anything I wanted to do there. We've got some real heat today - Cordis Hotels, Flamingo scooters, Holy Moly, all of those staples." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Children's Minister says another boot-camp for young offenders is about to start, because of promising results from the first one. Newstalk ZB understands the programme is starting in Palmerston North on Monday for 10 young offenders. They'll spend more time in the residential facility than in the pilot, and this iteration's getting more input from local iwi. Karen Chhour says the first camp saw helped drive change for those young people. "We can't just keep having a revolving door policy and allowing them to just keep coming in and out without actually supporting them once they return to the community." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US and Israel's accelerating battering of Iran is wreaking havoc in the Middle East. More than 1200 Iranian targets have been bombed, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is warning harder strikes are yet to come. Iran's responded with attacks targeting US assets in surrounding states, including the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia.  It's also blocking the Strait of Hormuz - an important oil shipping route.  Former CIA intelligence officer Glenn Carle says blowing up the air defence systems is one thing, but without US forces on the ground, there will still be armed revolutionary guards.  "What do the United States and Israel do, to force whoever's holding the guns out, or to do what the United States wants?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has copped some backlash over his stance on the US and Israel attacking Iran.  Chris Luxon strongly condemned the Iranian regime's retaliatory strikes. He also acknowledged the US claim Iran was developing weapons that could threaten overseas nations.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon's faced a lot of scrutiny from MFAT over this matter.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict in the Middle East continues to rage on, and there's concerns about what it could mean for the Australian economy. The US and Israel have struck more than 1200 Iranian targets, with plans to ramp up the bombardment in coming hours, and Iran has launched more strikes and choked oil tanker transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says RBA governor Michele Bullock says it's too early to know the impacts, but economists have warned this could see petrol prices rising by 40 cents a litre.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another chief executive of a national sports organisation is leaving their post. New Zealand Rugby League boss Greg Peters is standing down after eight years in the job. The NZRL have launched their search for a replacement and Peters will support the board in a transitional capacity. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows the cost of private school isn't a deterrent to Kiwi parents. A report by the Ministry of Education shows that private, or independent, schools are growing at a much faster rate overall than their public school counterparts. Independent Schools of New Zealand CEO Guy Pascoe says there's a wide range of reasons why parents could be making this choice. "Small class sizes, it could be specific curriculum, pedagogies, high academic results - the schools we represent range in size from about 15 students as our smaller school to about two and a half thousand."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turmoil in the Middle East as countries are drawn into the US and Israel's aggression against Iran, aiming to obliterate its nuclear programme and topple its regime. Tehran has vowed to avenge the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other officials, and has launched region-wide retaliation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's granted the US permission to use their military bases - as in Britain's best interests. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says criticisms have been made over this move, with many accusing the Government of 'flip-flopping'.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent conflict in the Middle East has sparked concerns about the wide-reaching implications for the global economy. The US and Israel launched strikes at Iran over the weekend, killing Ayatollah Khamenei - and Iran has since launched strikes from Tehran. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns about what the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could do for oil prices and inflation. Iran's sent retaliation strikes across the Middle East after US and Israeli attacks killed their Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamene. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen unpacked the short and long term concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson of Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The US and Israel have launched strikes in Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and kicking off more conflict. What do we make of this? How will this impact our economy? The Government has given councils permission to authorise the killing of protected species under incoming RMA replacement bills, according to new reports. What do we make of this? Is this a good idea? New research out of Australia has raised concerns about the microplastics in chewing gum. Should we be concerned about this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Okay, let's talk about the debate Helen Clark has sparked on whether New Zealand should be condemning the US air strikes on Iran. As you’ll have noticed, New Zealand hasn’t condemned the strikes. In fact, in a radio interview this morning, the Prime Minister said that our position aligns with Australia’s - and Australia has openly supported the strikes. The logical conclusion, then, is that we support the strikes too, even if we’re not saying so explicitly. That lack of condemnation has upset Helen Clark because, as she points out, the air strikes are illegal under international law. And she is right about that. But can anyone seriously argue that the strikes shouldn’t have happened? Consider the counterfactual - the strikes didn’t happen at the weekend. Ayatollah Khamenei is still alive. He continues to kill tens of thousands of Iranians for protesting, continues to fund Hamas to attack Israel, continues to fund and support the Houthis as they cause turmoil in the Middle East, continues backing Hezbollah to create further instability, and continues causing trouble as far away as Australia, where Iran allegedly directed the firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne just a few months ago. This is exactly the same dilemma the world faced in Venezuela with the capture of Maduro. It shouldn’t have happened, it broke the rules - but no one is sad that someone broke the rules to do what many believed needed to be done. Now, obviously, this doesn’t guarantee success. Bombing a country to force regime change almost never works. What comes next could be worse. The disruption to the Middle East could be greater than any benefit gained. But all of those are unknowns right now. What is known is this: the Iranian regime was murdering its own people, destabilising the region and attempting to cause disruption even further afield. So yes, what happened at the weekend broke the rules. But tell me - are you upset that it did? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 2 March, 2026, we talk to a New Zealand journalist in the Middle East on whether the US-Iran conflict will really last only four weeks. Why councils can now kill native or protected species like geckos. An Australian researcher tells us why you should discourage your children from chewing gum. And on The Huddle, we ask Trish Sherson and Josie Pagani if it puts them off chewing gum. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conflict has seen oil prices jump, and could mean higher costs at the pump. But Finance Minister Nicola Willis says it doesn't mean we need to re-think the Marsden Point oil refinery. It ceased refining operations in 2022 and has been converted to an import-only fuel terminal. Willis says it would still have needed to import the oil - but adds there's some resilience in the system. "Last year, the Government made changes to regulations, which mean that fuel suppliers in New Zealand have to keep 28 days worth of fuel on supply." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns have been raised over the presence of microplastics in gum. A health researcher has warned he wouldn't want his own children chewing on gum, due to the health risks associated with consuming the microplastics.  University of Technology Sydney Associate Professor Brian Oliver says the health risks are 'unknown', but there's a lot of harmful conditions that could happen.  "Inflammation's sort of the precursor to a lot of chronic conditions, so diabetes, respiratory conditions - so we know that the impetuous is there. What we don't know is actually how much inflammation, and exactly how bad."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US and Israel launched strikes at Iran over the weekend, prompting concern and outrage from experts. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have criticised Iran's counter attacks, prompting Helen Clark to call the Government's response 'one-sided'. Waikato University law professor Al Gillespie has said this attack was illegal by the standards of international law. "There's nothing in the UN charter that says you can bomb someone who won't negotiate...the exemption to that was if this was a pre-emptive attack and it was an overwhelming necessity, and that cannot be seen in this instance."   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More countries are being pulled into combat since the US and Israel began bombing Iran, trying to topple its regime.  Tehran has sent strikes across the Middle East - in retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hezbollah is siding with Iran and has struck into Israel, which has shot back a wave of attacks on Lebanon. MFAT is aware of 1750 New Zealanders in affected countries. Kiwi journalist Perry Wilton is in Doha. He says Iran claims it's mostly targeting US assets - but the attacks are unfocused. "Everything from US military bases to residential apartment buildings, Kuwait Airport, has been really badly damaged." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister for RMA Reform says letting councils give companies permissions relating to killing protected animals during work is a matter of reducing red tape.  A law passed last year let DOC extend this permission to companies to reduce development liability.  Under incoming RMA replacement Bills, councils can also give such permissions. Greenpeace has condemned the proposed change, saying councils don't have the environmental know-how. But Chris Bishop says this makes sense. "Regional councils in particular, when it comes to the environment, they are the administrator of environmental management within their areas."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regional conflict is erupting in the Middle East - as the US and Israel ramp up aggression against Iran. Tehran has fired across surrounding states in retaliation for the killing of its Supreme Leader, with the US continuing bombardment, as Israel targets Lebanon. The White House says three US soldiers have died and it expects more casualties in coming weeks. MFAT says least 1750 New Zealanders are in the region, more than a thousand in the UAE.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon confirmed New Zealand stands with the people of Iran during this conflict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Government has ruled out getting the military involved in the conflict unleashed by United States-Israeli strikes on Iran. It's been confirmed Australia has 115,000 nationals in the Middle East who are unable to fly out because of airspace closures as a result of the attacks.  Australian correspondent Sam Emery says Foreign Minister Penny Wong is in discussions with airlines, but the Government's hoping commercial flights would resume to help people leave.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golfer Daniel Hillier's saluted partisan support for spurring him to a first New Zealand Open triumph at Millbrook. The 27-year-old's won the tournament by two strokes, finishing at 22-under overall after a final round four-under par 67. Jason Pine recapped all the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foodstuffs is again trying to bring its North and South Island operations under one roof, after failing two years ago.  The company's heading to the High Court to appeal a 2024 Commerce Commission decision blocking its plan.  Grocery Action Group chair, Sue Chetwin, says letting it do so would only strengthen the duopoly.  She says upstream, suppliers would have less choice on whom they could sell goods. "So at the moment, they've got the North Island and the South Island Foodstuffs and Woolworths - but if you merged the North and South Island Foodstuffs, you'd be down to two." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 27 February, 2026, we talk to the secondary school teachers' union about teacher shortages. A Wall Street Journal reporter on the significance of Netflix walking away from a deal with Warner Brothers Discovery. Weta maestro Sir Richard Taylor tells us about his new robot project after receiving his latest international award. And on the Sports Huddle, Nicky Styris and Jeff McTainsh discuss the mess the Wellington Phoenix are in. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tell me if I’m wrong, but it seems to me that every single year the Anglican Church in this country delays repairing the Christchurch Cathedral, the public cares a little less about seeing it restored. And yet again, the Anglicans are asking for money to fix the thing. You might recall that 18 months ago they asked the government for $60 million. They got a no. So this time, they’re targeting Christchurch ratepayers. They say they’ve stopped any meaningful fundraising and they’re asking ratepayers to plug the gap — a gap of about $45 million. This will now go out to consultation. If ratepayers say yes, the additional cost will simply be added to rates. Whatever your rates are now, expect that cost on top. I don’t rate the Anglicans’ chances here because rates in Christchurch — like everywhere in the country — are already at record highs. And in Christchurch, they’re proposed to rise another 8% this year. On top of that, the Canterbury Museum has also just asked for another $260 million for its rebuild. There is not a lot of spare money around. I have to say, as I did 18 months ago, I still find it slightly cheeky of the Anglicans to do this when they own $3 billion worth of assets in this country alone. And that valuation was done six years ago — with inflation, they almost certainly own more now. There is enough there to pay for the entire reconstruction of the cathedral, not just the first stage they’re talking about. Every year the Anglicans spend trying to find someone else to pay for the restoration of their church, public appetite to restore it must surely diminish. Because every year that passes, more new venues open in Christchurch. Whether small — restaurants, bars, shops — or large, like the convention centre or the new stadium, the city is rebuilding. It’s becoming increasingly beautiful and increasingly fun. I know the cathedral can’t be replaced by a stadium or a convention centre or a shop. It has a special place for Christchurch. But the Anglicans risk that special place being diluted every single time another special place opens up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Premium apple demand is at the core of a strong financial result for T&G Global. Its revenue has increased by 14% to $1.6 billion and its net profit after tax is $16 million, up from a loss of $9.9m. Global Chief Executive Gareth Edgecombe told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the Chinese and US markets in particular have been buying more of the premium Jazz, Jolie and Envy apples. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An economist says benefit sanctions aren't working.  The traffic light system was introduced last year and beneficiaries who failed obligations like taking part in Work and Income assessments.  Infometrics principal consultant Rob Heyes says the number of beneficiaries has continued to rise after they were introduced.  He told Heather du Plessis-Allan that it's goal of getting people into work hasn't come to fruition, and says the job market has been tough with vacancies drying-up.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No individual has had more of an impact on modern Hollywood visual effects than Sir Richard Taylor.  The Co-Founder and Chief Creative force behind Weta Workshop has now received well deserved recognition from his peers, as he has won the Visionary award from the Visual Effects Society in LA. Sir Taylor told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he wasn't expecting to win the award. "I was a little overwhelmed when I heard that I was going to collect this. I actually thought maybe they'd made a mistake, but it turned out they hadn't." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netflix has backed away from its proposal to buy Warner Bros Discovery, clearing the way for Paramount Skydance to win the months-long bidding war. Warner Bros, which put itself up for sale last year, says Paramount's latest bid was superior to Netflix's, which in turn refused to raise its offer. The massive media company owns Harry Potter, DC Comics and CNN. Wall Street Journal's Joe Flint told Heather du Plessis Allan that there are now concerns about major job cuts in the impending merger. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Students may be short changed by a lack of secondary school teachers. The latest Ministry of Education figures show a predicted shortfall of just over seven hundred high school teachers this year.  Post Primary Teachers Association President Chris Abercrombie says the Ministry of Education's prediction that the gap will be filled by 2028 is overly optimistic.  He says we need to take the politics out of teaching and get down to a solution with a long term plan for staffing.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is disagreement between the ACT and NZ First leader over the Government's stake in Air New Zealand.  ACT Leader David Seymour proposed selling the Government's stake, which Winston Peters called 'economic lunacy'. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that, 'David Seymour and Winston Peters have never seen eye to eye at all and it's remarkable really that both have been part of the same cabinet for two years.'  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government wants to see regional routes kept, despite Air New Zealand's poor financial showing. Some regional flights could be axed or scaled back in response to the company's $40million half-year loss. Act leader David Seymour has called for the Government to sell its majority shareholding in the airline, which New Zealand  First's Winston Peters calls economic lunacy. Associate Transport Minister James Meager told Heather du Plessis-Allan that Air New Zealand should consider efficiencies.He says there are some commercial decisions they could make, and hopes scrapping regional connectivity is not one of them LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One key member of the UK's Labour party is warning that the nation only has three years to prepare for war. Al Carns gave an interview to the Times today and said that a major conflict was coming, and indicated Russia would be a likely source. UK correspondent Enda Brady explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 26 February, 2026, we talk to Air New Zealand's boss about its net loss of $40 million and ask if David Seymour's right when he says: "Go woke, go broke." How much the Government's making from clamping cars when people fail to pay fines. We look at why men are far more likely to own the home they live in than women. And on The Huddle, Clare de Lore and Ali Jones discuss why many people are happy to see Jacinda Ardern living in Australia. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour politicians dusted off their gumboots and went down to the farm for their  annual meeting with Federated Farmers today. Federated Farmers started the get-together three years ago to better the relationship with the party. President Wayne Langford said some 'solid' discussions took place earlier, but no new policies were unveiled. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's looking to be a rough season for our meat processing sector, with companies struggling to compete with abundant grass and a turbo-charged store stock market. Some companies have dropped published lamb and beef schedules by 10c/kg, and the decline has prompted concerns.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So David Seymour’s right about Air New Zealand - but he’s also wrong about Air New Zealand. Before we get to why, let me bring you up to speed on what’s happened with the airline today, because the news is not good. Air New Zealand has posted a half-year result showing a $59 million pre-tax loss, which is slightly worse than expected. And to be fair to Air New Zealand, a lot of this really isn’t their fault.  They’ve had not one, but two engine types in their fleet causing them trouble. And the economic downturn we’re experiencing in New Zealand - the worst in most of our lifetimes, you have to go back more than 50 years to find anything as bad - directly affects their earnings.  If we don’t have money, we’re certainly not spending money on flights. But some of this is their fault. They’re squandering customer loyalty with poor on-time performance and a tired, diminished Koru Club offering. And this is where David Seymour is right when he says, “Go woke, go broke.” Because part of the reason Air New Zealand is losing customers to Jetstar is that there are people who no longer want to pay for Koru Club. The offering has slid from the good old days. You can’t even - and this bugs people more than the airline ever seemed to realise -  go into the lounge, ask for a coffee, and take it away like you can at a café. There are no takeaway coffees because Air New Zealand doesn’t want paper cups going on planes. Paper cups are bad for the environment… when you’re flying planes. They’ve wasted time and money trialling an electric aircraft they don’t actually know how to integrate into their fleet. And they’re constantly lecturing the government about sustainable aviation fuel - SAF - which is more expensive than standard jet fuel, and standard jet fuel is already extremely expensive right now. But here’s where David Seymour is wrong - he says the solution is to sell down the Government’s 51 percent stake in Air New Zealand. We can’t do that. We are an isolated island nation. There are only two ways to get here - by boat or by plane, and we all know which one people actually use.  We need to own those planes to make sure they keep flying. If we learned anything during COVID, it’s that Air New Zealand effectively became a logistics lifeline and repatriation service for the entire country. So yes, David Seymour is part right and part wrong. We do need Air New Zealand to stop the distractions and start doing its job properly. And we do need it to remain in New Zealand hands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Air New Zealand recently posted a multi-million net loss, and it's prompted David Seymour to urge the Government to sell down shares in the airline. Do we think this is the right move? What's gone wrong here?  New data from Cotality shows women are lagging behind men when it comes to home ownership. Why do we think this is? Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has made the jump across the ditch and has been spotted house-hunting in Sydney. What do we make of this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV says even though it's had a strong first-half financial year result - the television market remains challenging. It's reported a $52 million net profit, turning around a $1.7 million loss last period. Its revenue rose eight percent, to about $414 million. Sky TV chief executive Sophie Moloney says revenue for traditional TV was softer than expected. "The TV side does seem to be suffering a bit more than others, so I do think it's incumbent on us to make sure that we're talking about that value and allowing our clients to see the benefits." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should first responding volunteers be covered for post-traumatic stress caused by the job? ACC currently covers the responders for broad physical injury cover - but not for mental health harm. A petition to change the legislation with more than 36,000 signatures was unsuccessful last year. Land Search & Rescue chief executive Wendy Wright says most of their workforce are actually volunteers. "We can provide short-term support for them, but it's for those that have long-term PTSD - and it's that longer-term support that we are unable to provide."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women are continuing to lag significantly behind men when it comes to home ownership. Data from Cotality shows more than half of Gen Z men surveyed own their own home, while just a third of women do.  The disparity also exists amongst the millennial and Gen X age groups. Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says it's not an attitude issue.   "Females actually rate property ownership more important than males, pretty much across the spectrum. So this is about other things, monetary factors, there's unfortunately still that gender wage gap across New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand's assuring it's on track for economic stability. The national airline's announced a first-half before-tax loss of $59 million. CEO Nikhil Ravishankar says the result's driven by challenges from aircraft being grounded, a softer recovery than expected - and rising costs.  But he says they'll be well on the road to recovery over the next two to three years.  "One of the key reasons I say that so confidently is for the first time in six years, we've got new aircraft coming back into the fleet and we're solving engine issues."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.